Even though Hurricane Irene has been downgraded to a category 1, weather experts are still urging caution. Despite the downgrade, the makeup of this particular hurricane is fairly intense, meaning she'll still produce widespread rainfall and high winds. Horse owners need to prepare for potential flooding from torrential rain expected to top 6-12 inches and winds up to 85 mph. New Jersey is expected to bear the brunt of Irene; all horse owners should ensure their equines are protected.
Never confine your horses
As a horse owner who has experienced a tornado, I can assure you that it goes against every instinct not to put your horses in the barn or stable. You might think this is the safest and most protected place, but when a storm packs a punch capable of damaging structures, a confined animal is doubly at risk because there is no escape route.
Confined horses that cannot flee – panic, and are at risk of both self-injury and secondary injury from the very building that owners believe will protect them. Provided there has been no evacuation order for your area, the best place for your horses is in a large pasture away from structures that could produce flying debris. If possible, choose an area that is not prone to flooding and has hills where equines can escape rising floodwater.
Remove anything in the pasture which has the potential to become a flying missile. Prune tree limbs or even chop down the trees, if they are dead and brittle. Take out freestanding feeders and place large drums of water in the pasture. These are heavier and less inclined to move. They will also provide a water supply if you are served by a well and the electricity goes out.
Monitoring and preparation
The chief motto is to be prepared for any eventuality. Monitor the storm on an emergency radio and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. This means:
- Readying two first aid kits. Keep one in the house and one in the truck/horse trailer
- Ensuring sufficient food and water supply
- Having a horse trailer hooked-up and the truck gassed and ready to go
- Getting travel documents for your horses and placing them in the truck/trailer
- Making certain you can load your horses. If they're terrible at loading anyway, they're not likely to load during a storm
- If your equine is on medications, split the dose if possible, and place half in your truck and keep the other half in the house
- Know where you're going ahead of time. Make certain all arrangements are made before the storm hits. Works the phones and select two or three different destinations. Storms can change paths, so be prepared to adapt if required
- Leave ahead of the storm, do not wait until the last minute, it is always better to be safe than sorry
- Share your destination sites and routes with your family, so that if necessary, people will know where to look for you
Hurricane Irene predictions
In his Aug. 27, 2011 article, "Hurricane Irene: What to Expect in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut," Eric Holthaus of the Wall Street Journal has laid out what to expect from Hurricane Irene through Saturday August 27 and Sunday August 28. "Everyone in Greater New York will feel this storm," Holthaus says, because despite being downgraded, "its energy [is invested] into growing large in size at the expense of an intense inner core." New Jersey will be hit the hardest, Holthaus adds, so be prepared and stay safe.
Get the latest news on Hurricane Irene from the New York National Weather Service.
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
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